Fords That Could Save Ford Now

Recent News

The S-Max, which goes on sale in Europe this summer, is another product that we could see making it across the Atlantic. Based off the same corporate-components set as the new Volvo S80, the front-wheel-drive minivan has seating for seven in a stylish, appealing compact body shell. Mazda, aided and abetted by rising gas prices, has shown that there is a (limited) market for mini-minivans. Of course, Ford cries cost, but Mazda seems to be able to import small cars from Japan and make a profit.

Ranchero

We once called them Rancheros, but to Australians they're just "utes." Part sedan, part pickup truck, fully Australian, utes are the country's mules of commerce, hauling everything from livestock in the Outback to tools and supplies for inner-city tradesmen. Ford offers a crew-cab Falcon ute, and aluminum flatbeds are a popular option. Used utes are often a young driver's first car, and the cheapest Falcon is a ute, starting at $19,286 and ranging up to $30,000 for a V-8 with leather seats, navigation, and an aero kit.

The F6 Typhoon and V-8 Pursuit ute are bogan Ferraris. Low-slung and rarely seen anywhere except on city streets, these super-utes are tuned by Ford Performance Vehicles into two-seat tire roasters. They break it loose early and often with up to 349 horsepower. With a low center of gravity, they handle far better than any American-sized pickup.

The last Ranchero was sold in 1979. Perhaps it's time Ford did a new ute reboot in America.